The Radiology Team

Who are the members of the radiology team?

When you have a radiology exam or procedure, a variety of health care professionals are involved. You may see doctors, technologists, nurses, and others.When you have a radiology exam or procedure, a variety of health care professionals are involved. You may see doctors, technologists, nurses, and others.

What do the radiology team members do?

Doctors. A radiologist specializes in the field of radiology. He or she leads the radiology team. The radiologist is responsible for interpreting the results of exams, doing certain procedures, such as interventional radiology procedures or treatment procedures. He or she will also consult with other doctors in other specialties as needed.

Technologists. Radiology technologists are responsible for doing the various radiology exams.These include X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, mammograms, and ultrasound procedures.They get formal training in various types of educational programs, lasting from 1 to 4 years. He or she may have more study or training to specialize in a certain area, such as CT scans or MRIs. Radiology technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Nurses. Nurses often help with more complex procedures, such as procedures that require anesthesia. Or, procedures needing intravenous (IV) medicines, contrast, or nuclear substances. Nurses may assess and document a person's status. He or she may also consult with the radiologist for specific care needs, and teach people about their radiology procedure.

Medical physicists. Medical physicists help ensure the safe and accurate use of radiation therapy. They work with the radiology team in treatment planning. They set guidelines for radiation procedures, ensure safe and accurate measurement of radiation doses, and monitor the radiological equipment. Their role may also include research and development of new technologies. A qualified medical physicist may have a master's or doctorate degree with 1 to 2 years of clinical physics experience. Medical physicists are certified by the American Board of Radiology or the American Board of Medical Physics.